The excitement is palpable as the UConn Huskies prepare to face off against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship. Scheduled for Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET, the championship game will take place at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, and will be broadcast live on ABC and simulcast on ESPN.
This championship clash marks a significant moment in women's college basketball, as the No. 2-ranked UConn Huskies take on the defending champions, the No. 1-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks. South Carolina, led by head coach Dawn Staley, is looking to defend its title after winning the national championship last year against Iowa. The Gamecocks have been a dominant force in women’s basketball, having claimed three of the last four national titles. This year’s squad features standout players such as Te-Hina Paopao, Chloe Kitts, and freshman sensation Joyce Edwards, who have all contributed to the team's success throughout the tournament.
On the other side of the court, the UConn Huskies, coached by the legendary Geno Auriemma, are vying for their 12th national championship. This will be the 13th time UConn has reached the final, having previously lost to South Carolina in the championship game back in 2022. The Huskies have made their way to this year’s final thanks to the stellar performances of players like Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Sarah Strong, who have been pivotal in their journey through the tournament.
As the championship approaches, the odds are slightly favoring UConn, with BetMGM giving them a -5.5 point spread. ESPN’s Matchup Predictor also leans towards the Huskies, giving them a 57.1% chance of victory. However, with the Gamecocks’ recent track record in the tournament, the matchup is expected to be fiercely competitive.
Fans across the country are eager to tune in to witness this thrilling contest. The game will be accessible through various streaming platforms, including Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV, allowing viewers to catch all the action from home. For those looking to experience the excitement live, tickets are still available through platforms like Ticketmaster and StubHub.
Adding to the festivities surrounding the championship, hip-hop star GloRilla is set to headline the AT&T Super Saturday concert at Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa the day before the game. This event is expected to draw a large crowd and enhance the celebratory atmosphere leading up to the championship.
The Amalie Arena has a rich history of hosting significant sporting events, and the upcoming championship adds to its legacy. Tampa Bay has been a hotbed for championships across various sports, earning the nickname "Champa Bay" due to its impressive collection of titles. Since 1984, the city has seen five Super Bowl champions, three Stanley Cups, an Isobel Cup, three ArenaBowls, a USL Championship Final, and six college national championships. The most recent title was captured in 2023 when the Quinnipiac men’s hockey team won their first-ever national championship at the same venue.
In 1999, the UConn men’s basketball team also made history in Tampa, defeating Duke in the national championship game. UConn's women's team has previously claimed victory at Amalie Arena, winning the national title against Notre Dame in 2015, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in women's college basketball.
As the championship game approaches, the excitement continues to build. Fans are eagerly anticipating a showdown that promises to be a thrilling display of talent, strategy, and heart. With both teams boasting impressive rosters and coaching, the stage is set for an unforgettable encounter that could etch new names into the annals of NCAA history.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of UConn, South Carolina, or just a lover of great basketball, this championship game is not to be missed. Tune in to see who will emerge victorious in what is sure to be a historic clash of titans in women's college basketball.
